Vantage Volante Convertible

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Review

2003
Aston Martin
DB7 Review

Another British answer to the Italian supercar challenge.

Reviewed by Automotive on
2/15/2003

Overview

The 2003 Aston Martin DB7 coupe supercar combines the luxurious interior quality that its maker is famous for with high-performance and handling. While the DB7 is quite a fine vehicle in its own right, rivals from Ferrari and Porsche will offer better no-holds-barred performance but lack the luxury and refinement that the DB7 offers. That makes this Aston Martin a great fit for buyers who want a limited production supercar that will offer serious driving thrills while giving a true luxury car ride that sporting-based rivals can not.

The Range

What's New

For 2003, the DB7 adds two new trims to the lineup: the GT and GTA versions. The GT version ups the output by 15 horsepower while the GTA offers the convenience of an automatic transmission. All trims of the DB7 get exterior updates that include a revised grille, clear lens, longer chrome side strakes, side mounted turn-signal repeaters and more prominent outside mirrors. The interior of all models now offers optional tan carpeting, a color-keyed steering wheel and minor safety enhancements.

Exterior

The 2003 Aston Martin DB7 comes in three trims: Vantage, GT and GTA. The Vantage is available as a coupe or convertible while the GT and GTA are coupes only. The Vantage includes 18-inch wheels, intermittent wipers, heated door mirrors, power door mirrors, dual exhaust, fog lights, rear defroster and limited-slip differential. The Vantage convertible, called the Volante, offers a power-retractable roof and glass rear window. The GT has a rear spoiler to go along with its increased horsepower. The GTA is a GT with the convenience of an automatic transmission, which is actually a five-speed ZF automatic, with the option for a Touchtronic push-button control system.

The exterior of the DB7 is muscular yet elegant and draws on roadsters of the 1960s for inspiration and design cues. It manages to convey the performance and luxury aspects with the refined and sleek exterior. The body can be any color that the buyer desires.

Interior

The DB7 Vantage offers similar interior features whether a coupe or convertible is chosen. Standard appointments include air conditioning, automatic temperature control, power windows, power door locks, tilt and telescoping power steering, an Alpine sound system with am/fm, cassette and cd player, Connolly leather upholstery (same as is used in the House of Lords), heated and powered seats, a removable back seat, leather and wood trim everywhere.

The posh interior is part of the Aston Martin experience. The cabin is luxurious, comfortable and filled with great features. Buyers can choose other materials to match any personal tastes. Aston Martin will also include personalized accessories like fitted luggage and an umbrella holder at the buyer’s request.

Performance & Handling

All models of the 2003 DB7 Vantage use a six-liter, V-12 engine that produces 420 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque. This power plant hooks up to either a six-speed-manual gearbox or an optional five-speed-automatic transmission. The ZF automatic gearbox allows the driver to select individual gear ratios using a floor lever or a Touchtronic push-button control system. All models are rear-wheel drive. The DB7 certainly offers quite a bit in the way of performance, but like all cars it should be judged within its class as well as compared to the greater scheme of things. In class, the DB7 doesn’t quite match the all-out performance offered by similarly priced rivals made by Porsche and Ferrari. It is a fine performer in its own right.

The steering and the chassis tuning offered great communication with the road. Like its Vanquish sibling, it manages to handle like a lighter and narrower car than it is. The ride is reasonably comfortable, although other high-end cars do a better job of combining handling and ride quality.

Safety

The 2003 DB7 comes with standard safety gear like dual front impact airbags, child seat anchors, all-wheel antilock disc brakes, remote anti-theft alarm system, electronic brakeforce distribution, seatbelt pretensioners and traction control. Side-impact airbags are not available. Neither the NHTSA nor the IIHS have performed crash safety tests on the DB7. It is safe to assume with the build quality, maker reputation and safety equipment list that the Vanquish does a respectable job when it comes to occupant protection.